Ankeny Free Church: Recent Episodes
Ankeny Free Church
Ankeny Free Church Series Podcast. New Gospel-centered content and teaching from God's Word uploaded weekly!
Alcohol is one of those topics that often gets treated casually, even in Christian circles, but Scripture takes it seriously. Proverbs 23 paints a vivid picture of the destruction that excessive drinking brings, not just physically, but spiritually and relationally. The Bible does not say Christians cannot drink, but it is clear that abusing alcohol leads to real and lasting harm. Our bodies, our souls, and our relationships all bear the cost. God's design is not for us to be controlled by anything other than His Spirit. The question worth asking is not just whether drinking is allowed, but whether it is pulling us closer to God or further away. Whatever habit may be quietly competing for our devotion, God invites us to make room for Him instead.
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Laziness is a sin that often hides in plain sight, disguised as rest or self-care. Proverbs 24:30-34 uses the image of a neglected vineyard to show what an undisciplined life looks like from the outside. The Bible identifies seven key characteristics of a lazy lifestyle, including trouble starting and finishing work, making excuses, and being wise in one's own eyes. The real cure for laziness is not simply working harder. It is a heart transformation that only comes through Jesus Christ. He was perfectly faithful in everything the Father gave Him to do, and through faith in Him, His faithfulness is credited to us. Because of the gospel, we have both the forgiveness for our failures and the power through the Holy Spirit to grow in faithfulness.
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Proverbs 28 offers a layered and honest look at wealth, poverty, integrity, and our responsibility to one another. Poverty is not simply a lack of money but the result of broken relationships, with God, with others, and with the world. Having wealth is not sinful, but the relentless pursuit of it at any cost leads to ruin. Integrity outranks wealth in God's economy, and greed ultimately impoverishes rather than enriches. Corrupt leaders who oppress the poor will not last, because God sees injustice and acts. Giving to those in need is not optional for followers of God, and real help requires genuine relationship, not just financial assistance. The gospel reframes everything: we are not people of strength looking down at the poor, but beggars who have been rescued by grace. Living with integrity in a world that rewards greed takes courage, and that courage is rooted in trusting God for the good of our neighbors.
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Words are more than communication. They are a window into the condition of our hearts. Proverbs 25 weaves together a collection of wisdom sayings that all point to one central truth: what we fail to rule on the inside will eventually ruin the outside. From the danger of empty promises to the power of a well-timed word, this chapter challenges us to take our speech seriously. Jesus perfectly embodies every principle found here, coming from heaven to bring good news to spiritually hungry and thirsty people. By His grace and through the Holy Spirit, we can become people whose words bring life, healing, and truth to everyone around us.
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True strength is not what most people think it is. Proverbs 24 makes clear that real strength is rooted in wisdom, not force or violence. While human nature is drawn to power and retaliation, those paths lead to destruction rather than lasting fruit. Wisdom builds what violence never can, and it multiplies through counsel and community. Strength is not meant to serve our own pride or comfort. It is meant to rescue those who are stumbling toward destruction. Jesus is the ultimate model of this, using His strength entirely for others at great personal cost. That is the life every believer is called to follow.
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Proverbs 26:1-12 offers a vivid and practical picture of what biblical foolishness looks like and how to respond to it wisely. A fool is not simply someone who makes mistakes but someone who repeatedly refuses to learn or change. Giving a fool honor, responsibility, or unchallenged influence causes real damage to everyone around them. Even truth in the hands of a fool can become harmful rather than helpful. But the sharpest warning in the passage is not about the fool at all. It is about the person who is wise in their own eyes, because there is more hope for a fool than for someone who believes they have nothing left to learn. True wisdom begins with humility before God, a willingness to be corrected, and a posture of ongoing openness to His Word and His work in our lives.
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Every person begins on the same side of a divide: death. The only way to cross over to life is through faith in Jesus Christ, and that confidence is not a guess but a promise rooted in Him alone. Eternity is not just a future reality. It has real implications for how we live today, what we chase, what we fear, and what we value. The Bible is clear that two destinations await every person, heaven and hell, and both are real. Hell is an expression of God's justice, not a contradiction of His love. Heaven is not passive or dull but a place of beauty, fullness, and unbroken presence with God. Because every person we encounter has an eternal destiny, that truth should move us toward compassion, intentional kindness, and honest conversations about faith.
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Understanding our salvation is crucial, and Isaiah 52:13-53:12 provides deep insights into the work of Christ. Jesus, exalted and divine, was rejected by many but took on our griefs and sorrows, bearing the punishment we deserved. His death and subsequent vindication fulfilled God's purpose of salvation, emphasizing that our hope rests solely in Christ's work, not our own efforts.
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Everyone carries some form of identification, but many Christians are still living from their old, expired identity instead of their new one in Christ. According to Colossians 3, when you belong to Christ, your old self has died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. This means putting to death earthly sins like sexual immorality, greed, anger, and lying while putting on Christ-like characteristics such as compassion, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. The key is setting your mind on things above rather than earthly concerns and doing everything in the name of Jesus. Stop carrying around your expired identity and live from your new identity as someone who is chosen, holy, beloved, and destined for glory.
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A healthy church is more than a building or weekly gathering - it's a living body of believers united under Christ's authority. The universal church represents all believers globally, while the local church is an organized assembly in a specific location. Unity is given by God but must be maintained through intentionality, humility, and prioritizing Christ above personal preferences. Every believer has been given gifts for ministry, and the church's purpose is to equip saints for service rather than passive consumption. Christ serves as the head of the church, directing its growth and purpose. Spiritual maturity involves growing in love, being governed by God's word, and serving others rather than self.
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The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity who makes Christ's work real in our lives. Through the Spirit, believers are freed from condemnation and become God's temple where He dwells. We are adopted as God's children with direct access to our heavenly Father. The Spirit produces His fruit in us - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - rather than works of the flesh. Living by the Spirit means depending on Him daily and allowing His presence to transform how we respond to life's challenges.
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The Apostle Paul presents Timothy as a powerful example of gospel transformation in Philippians 2:19-24. While humans naturally seek their own interests from birth, the gospel doesn't just make us better people - it makes us entirely new. Timothy demonstrates four marks of Christ-like character: genuine concern for others' welfare, proven character tested over time, formation through godly relationships, and humble service to the gospel. True transformation happens when we tune our hearts to Christ rather than following human examples or our own preferences. The mind of Christ develops through consistent, humble service and staying connected to Jesus, allowing God to work in us to replace selfishness with genuine love for others.
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In a world of competing priorities, it's easy to build our lives on good things like career success, parenting, or moral behavior that ultimately leave us empty. The mystery of godliness isn't about religious performance but about Jesus Christ himself as our foundation. Paul's creedal statement in 1 Timothy 3:16 reveals three truths: Christ was revealed as fully God and fully man, witnessed by angels and proclaimed among nations, and received by believers into glory. Unlike false foundations that always demand more, Jesus provides truth, leadership, and reconciliation. When we build our identity on anything other than Christ, we're building on sinking sand rather than the solid rock.
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Understanding what it means to be human requires looking beyond scientific materialism and popular culture to God's Word. Scripture reveals three essential aspects of our condition: we are created in God's image as His representatives on earth, fallen through sin that affects every part of our being, and gloriously redeemed through Christ's amazing grace. This truth means all people have equal dignity and worth, regardless of their circumstances. While sin has corrupted our nature and separated us from God, we cannot save ourselves through good works or by minimizing our failures. Only God's grace through Christ can transform our condition and give us true hope.
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The Bible stands as a uniquely reliable collection of 66 books written over 1,600 years by 40 authors across three continents. Unlike a game of telephone, Scripture was carefully preserved like a treasure through divine inspiration and meticulous copying. The manuscript evidence is overwhelming, with over 26,000 New Testament fragments compared to just 1,900 for Homer's works. While difficult passages exist, careful study reveals no genuine contradictions. God calls us to three responses: believe what Scripture teaches, obey what it requires, and trust what it promises.
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God's love is fundamentally different from human love because it flows from His perfect, eternal nature rather than from need or circumstance. Unlike the flawed gods of mythology, our God exists in perfect unity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, complete and blessed before creation. Ephesians 1 reveals five aspects of this divine love: we receive every spiritual blessing, adoption as God's children, redemption through Christ's blood, a guaranteed inheritance, and the Holy Spirit as our seal. This love isn't something we earn through performance but is already ours in Christ, forming the foundation for how we love others and live each day.
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In a world where we often make God small and people big, we need to recalibrate our understanding of who God truly is. Understanding God's transcendence through three key attributes helps us find stability and hope in overwhelming circumstances. God's aseity means He is self-existent and needs nothing, unlike everything else that has an origin story. His blessedness refers to His perfect fullness and complete sufficiency in Himself - He doesn't have bad days or get overwhelmed like we do. As Creator, God is utterly distinct from creation, making all things exist through His power rather than physical forces. When we understand these truths about God's nature, we can place our lives within His greater story and find real hope, purpose, and meaning.
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The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christianity that changes everything about our faith and lives. Without it, Christianity becomes empty religious practice, but with it, we have proof that Jesus has power over death itself. We were spiritually dead in our sins, unable to save ourselves, but through Christ's resurrection, God offers us new life as a gift of grace. This isn't just ancient history - the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to transform our lives today. Whether you need to trust Jesus for the first time, follow Him more closely, or simply delight in what He's accomplished, the empty tomb proves that everything changes because Jesus lives.
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Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a day of profound physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. Jesus endured brutal beatings, flogging with a cat-of-nine-tails, and the excruciating pain of crucifixion - a death by asphyxiation that required pushing against nailed wounds to breathe. Beyond the physical torture, He experienced betrayal from His closest disciples, an unjust trial, and ultimate spiritual separation from the Father as He bore humanity's sin. At the moment of His death, the temple curtain tore from top to bottom, symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity was removed. Through Christ's sacrifice, we now have direct access to God without need for human priests or ongoing animal sacrifices.
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Palm Sunday reveals Jesus as a different kind of king than people expected - one who came to connect us to God through His sacrifice rather than provide political deliverance. Psalm 118, sung during Passover, shows us what makes God unique: His perfect goodness and unending love that never fails. Unlike everything else in this world that becomes tainted by evil, God remains completely good and His covenant love doesn't depend on our performance or circumstances. He serves as our refuge in trouble, gives us victory over overwhelming enemies, and provides salvation from our greatest enemy - sin itself. True thankfulness flows from understanding this gospel transformation and being satisfied with God Himself rather than just His gifts.
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Paul addresses the problem of idleness in the Thessalonian church, where some believers chose not to work despite being able. Work is part of bearing God's image and shouldn't be separated from our faith. Paul modeled hard work even though he had the right to receive support, showing that work ethic is often caught from others. The gospel transforms us from takers to givers, from those who drain resources to those who contribute to human flourishing. We can work with both passion and rest, knowing that God is always at work and our labor in Him is never in vain.
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Our hearts often lead us in circles, chasing relationships, success, and happiness that ultimately disappoint. The problem is our souls are divided among many desires instead of being anchored in one governing desire—the Lord himself. When our hearts are scattered like a stream cut into many channels, we lose sight of what truly matters. God wants to direct our hearts to his steadfast love and Christ's faithfulness. He goes before us in gospel work, preparing hearts before we arrive. Even in a faithless world, we can find stability in our faithful Lord rather than in changing circumstances. Our everyday work becomes meaningful when we see it as serving God and loving our neighbors, bringing his goodness into our communities through excellence and character.
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Christians hold different views about biblical end times, including amillennialism, premillennialism, and postmillennialism. Each perspective interprets key passages like Matthew 24 and Revelation 20 differently. When believers die, their souls go to paradise while awaiting the resurrection of their bodies at Christ's return. Unbelievers experience conscious torment in Hades before final judgment. While we should be aware of signs pointing to Christ's return, we must avoid sensational prophecy claims and focus on faithful living. The goal isn't perfect prophetic understanding but being ready for Jesus' certain return.
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In times of global uncertainty and chaos, it's easy to feel anxious about the future and wonder if we're living in the end times. However, Scripture teaches that our security doesn't come from our own goodness or efforts, but from God's choice to set us apart as His beloved people. Paul contrasts those who refuse truth with those chosen by God for salvation and sanctification. Our response should be to stand firm in biblical truth, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and maintain consistent prayer. Rather than being paralyzed by current events, we're called to live faithfully each day, building our lives on the solid foundation of God's Word while remaining ready for Christ's return.
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The study of end times can feel overwhelming, but understanding different perspectives helps us grasp what Scripture teaches about Christ's return. All Christians agree on foundational truths: Christ will return bodily and visibly, there will be final judgment and resurrection, and God will create new heavens and earth. The four major views are amillennialism (we're currently in the millennium), dispensational premillennialism (separate rapture and return), historic premillennialism (one return with literal millennium), and postmillennialism (gradual gospel victory). Each view has strengths and weaknesses, requiring humility in our interpretations. Regardless of which view you hold, Christ's return should motivate expectant living, godliness, and faithful gospel proclamation.
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In a world filled with false teachings and spiritual deception, believers must remain grounded in biblical truth. Paul warned the Thessalonians about false claims regarding the end times, which caused fear and confusion among believers. Throughout history, deceptive movements have emerged through claimed revelations that add to or distort Scripture. Paul describes a future time when deception will peak through the Antichrist, but notes that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work today. People fall for deception because they refuse to love the truth. To stand firm, believers must remember that only God is God, begin each day with eternal perspective rather than worldly concerns, and trust in God's grace rather than perfect performance.
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Life can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to stay motivated for faithful living. The apostle Paul provides four powerful motivations rooted in God's work rather than our circumstances. First, we belong to the triune God through Christ's sacrifice, giving us an identity worth representing well. Second, we can recognize God's visible growth and faithfulness in our lives by remembering pivotal moments when He proved reliable. Third, coming judgment reminds us that God sees our struggles and will bring perfect justice. Finally, divine glory transforms our perspective by connecting our work to God's eternal purposes, creating meaning that survives disappointment and daily challenges.
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Many Christians today question whether they truly need church community, preferring to consume spiritual content independently. However, examining 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 reveals that God designed His people to grow together in holiness through committed church relationships. Paul outlines four essential ingredients for healthy church life: proper leadership that provides oversight and instruction, helpful relationships where members actively support each other's spiritual growth, Spirit-filled worship characterized by joy and prayer, and genuine family bonds that go beyond casual acquaintance. True church community requires swimming against our culture's individualistic tendencies to become deeply invested in one another's lives, creating a holy family that demonstrates Christ's love to the world.
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Death brings uncertainty and fear, but Paul's letter to the Thessalonians offers profound hope for believers. Christians who die are described as being asleep temporarily, remaining with Christ even in death. When Jesus returns, the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers being caught up to meet Him in the air. This means believers are always with the Lord, whether in life or death. Unlike worldly hope that depends on circumstances, Christian hope is grounded in our permanent relationship with Christ and our identity as children of light.
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There's a profound difference between going through religious motions and actually knowing God through Jesus Christ. Many Christians fall into a spiritual neutral zone where they're not actively pursuing growth, but if you're not moving forward spiritually, you're actually moving backward. True knowledge of God produces three key areas of forward movement: a pursuit for more of Him, a passion for holiness that reflects His character, and a priority for people that demonstrates His love. When we truly know God, we develop an insatiable hunger for deeper relationship, align our lives with His values, and show His heart for both believers and unbelievers through our actions and integrity.
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Paul's relationship with the Thessalonian church reveals what it means to stand fast in faith during life's storms. Standing fast doesn't mean avoiding challenges, but remaining steady and committed to Christ despite pressure. Gospel relationships provide deep heart connections that sustain us when we can't be physically present with those we care about. Suffering often strengthens our faith rather than indicating God's absence, as spiritual opposition frequently signals God is doing something significant. Encouragement acts as oxygen for spiritual endurance, and prayer enables ministry across any distance or barrier.
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Paul's ministry to the Thessalonians reveals what authentic Christian living looks like when following Jesus comes at a cost. His sacrificial approach, working night and day to support himself while preaching, flowed from a settled identity in Christ rather than seeking human approval. Like a father caring for his children, Paul focused on long-term spiritual formation, exhorting believers to walk worthy of God. The Thessalonians received God's Word not as human wisdom but as divine truth that actively worked in their lives. Their suffering for the Gospel wasn't punishment but participation in Christ's mission, proving they carried something powerful.
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Paul's letter to the Thessalonians reveals three essential elements of gospel-centered love that go beyond romantic notions. First, we must love with boldness, declaring God's truth even when facing opposition and conflict. Second, our love must be marked by integrity, speaking truth rather than what people want to hear, grounded in God's approval rather than human acceptance. Third, genuine love is costly, requiring us to invest our time, energy, and resources in others like a nursing mother caring for her children. Paul demonstrates that effective Christian love combines truth with compassion, requiring courage to share both God's love and our own with others, even when it's difficult or expensive.
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The church in Thessalonica faced persecution for declaring Jesus as Lord in a Roman culture that demanded worship of Caesar. Despite being new believers in a hostile environment, they became examples to Christians throughout their region. Paul's letter reveals seventeen gifts God gives every believer, including spiritual family, divine love, being chosen by God, and the transforming power of the gospel. Rather than focusing on New Year's resolutions, we should remember what God has already given us in Christ. Living with everyday faithfulness while maintaining an eternal perspective involves waiting with purpose, welcoming others through hospitality, and worshiping through transformation from idols to serving the living God.
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True godliness goes beyond being a good person—it requires wholehearted pursuit of Christ with complete integrity. David's example in Psalm 101 shows us that protecting our hearts means guarding what we allow through our eyes, choosing our relationships carefully, and setting biblical standards in our spheres of influence. When we fail to guard our hearts, evil doesn't settle for just a corner of our lives but seeks to consume everything. The path to godliness isn't about running from evil alone, but running toward Jesus with our entire being, giving Him everything rather than maintaining a God plus mentality.
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Christmas brings different expectations for everyone, but what we truly need isn't something we can unwrap—it's a person. Jesus Christ came into a world that wasn't expecting Him, born in humble circumstances to rescue humanity from our condition of malice, envy, and spiritual separation. God's love appeared not because of our good works, but according to His mercy. Through Christ, we receive soul cleansing, invitation into God's family, and eternal life. Whether you need to trust Christ for the first time, return after drifting away, or go deeper in your faith, this Christmas offers an opportunity to move beyond surface celebration to deep reflection on God's incredible gift of Himself.
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Through the story of Tim Tebow's John 3:16 eye black and the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus, we see three responses to Christ. One criminal rejected Jesus despite being within arm's reach of salvation. The other confessed his guilt, acknowledged Jesus' innocence, and simply asked to be remembered - receiving the promise of paradise that very day. This scene illustrates justification: Jesus doesn't just forgive our sins but credits His righteousness to our account. The question remains for each of us - which side of the cross are you on? Are you trusting in your own goodness or resting completely in what Jesus accomplished?
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In a world filled with tragedy and suffering, we naturally wonder where God is in the darkness. John 1:1-3 reveals that our God is not like the limited gods of other religions, but is the Creator of all things who brought everything into existence from nothing. While darkness exists in our world through external evil, internal struggles, and relational pain, God didn't remain distant from our suffering. Jesus Christ, the Word who was with God and was God, entered our darkness by taking on human flesh and experiencing our pain. He is the true light that dispels darkness and gives life to all who believe. We are called to both see this light by trusting in Christ and share this light by bearing witness to others in our spheres of influence.
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The Christmas story reveals a powerful contrast between worldly power and divine purpose. Luke's narrative moves from Caesar Augustus at the height of human authority down to Jesus born in a stable, placed in a manger among animals. This wasn't a cozy scene but a harsh reality where Mary and Joseph were rejected even by relatives in their ancestral town. The story teaches three transformative truths: resist placing trust in riches and power, find hope in Christ's mission to redeem the lowly and broken, and develop a heart that sees others as God sees them. God's greatest gift came wrapped not in luxury but in humility, showing us that spiritual poverty and recognizing our need for God is more valuable than material abundance.
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In our instant-everything culture, waiting has become almost extinct, yet the most important things in life rarely happen instantly. Joseph faced an impossible situation when Mary was found pregnant, forcing him into uncertainty and confusion. Despite not understanding God's plan, Joseph chose mercy and restraint. When God revealed through an angel that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Joseph obeyed immediately. God's people had waited thousands of years for the Messiah, and their patience was finally rewarded. Waiting isn't God's absence but His preparation, growing our patience, trust, and faith while He works in ways we can't see yet.
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The period between the Old and New Testaments reveals God's sovereignty through dramatic historical events. From Persian rule that allowed Jewish return to Jerusalem, through Alexander's Greek conquest and empire division, to the Maccabean revolt and eventual Roman domination, God remained faithful to His people. The detailed prophecies in Daniel 11 accurately predicted these events, including the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes and the temple's defilement. This historical backdrop prepared the world for Christ's arrival, with Roman infrastructure facilitating gospel spread. Despite political chaos and human failure, God's faithfulness endures, encouraging us to trust His sovereignty in our own uncertain times.
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Daniel 12 reveals two eternal destinations awaiting humanity - everlasting life or everlasting contempt. The wicked operate independently of God, believing in their own strength, while the wise recognize their need for the Lord. During unprecedented times of trouble, God calls His people to persevere through ordinary faithfulness. Daniel and his friends demonstrated that simple, consistent obedience to God can accomplish extraordinary things. Through daily acts of faithfulness like prayer, integrity, worship, and kindness, believers can shine like stars and help turn others toward righteousness.
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The prophet Daniel, living in exile under Persian rule, studied Jeremiah's prophecy about Israel's 70-year captivity and was moved to pray for his people's restoration. His powerful prayer wasn't based on his own righteousness but on God's mercy, as he confessed the collective sins that led to exile: neglecting God's commands, treating people brutally, and worshipping false gods. God responded through the angel Gabriel with the Seventy Weeks prophecy, promising to finish transgression, end sin, atone for iniquity, bring everlasting righteousness, seal vision and prophet, and anoint a most holy place. These promises point directly to Christ's redemptive work. For us today, this teaches that we need hope and redemption rather than just pain relief, that true confession brings healing, and that God's perfect character gives us confidence in His timing.
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David's life teaches us about facing two types of giants: the obvious ones like Goliath that paralyze us with fear, and the hidden ones within our hearts that can destroy us from within. When David faced Goliath as a teenager, he trusted in God's power rather than his own strength, declaring that the battle belonged to the Lord. Years later as king, David faced a different giant when he allowed boredom and desire to lead him into adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. External giants require faith in God's power to overcome impossible circumstances. Internal giants require surrendered hearts that allow God to create purity within us. Victory over both types of giants comes through Jesus Christ alone.
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Apocalyptic literature like Daniel and Revelation uses symbolic language, visions, and numbers to communicate God's sovereignty over history. Rather than getting lost in identifying every symbol, we should focus on the main message: God is in control, Jesus is returning, and believers are called to faithful perseverance. Christians hold different views about end times events, but the essentials remain the same - Christ's bodily return and our need to live faithfully while we wait. The 70 weeks prophecy in Daniel demonstrates remarkable prophetic precision while maintaining interpretive complexity that keeps us dependent on God rather than our own understanding.
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Daniel's vision in chapter 8 reveals a pattern of evil that believers can understand and navigate. The prophecy describes the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who brutally persecuted God's people for approximately six years before being defeated. This historical account teaches us three vital truths for persevering through difficult times. First, evil follows predictable patterns, so we shouldn't be surprised when persecution or hardship arises. Second, evil always has God-imposed limits and is temporary in nature. Third, and most importantly, evil lacks the power of Jesus Christ, who transforms enemies into family through His grace and offers ultimate victory to all who belong to Him.
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Two ancient empires, Assyria and Babylon, repeatedly opposed God's people in the Old Testament, each representing different forms of evil. Assyria was a brutal war machine that loved violence and conquest, destroying the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and scattering the ten tribes. Babylon, in contrast, was a sophisticated cultural center that prided itself on achievements like the Hanging Gardens, but their true danger lay in their arrogant self-sufficiency and belief that they were the center of the cosmos. While Assyria represents obvious evil through cruelty and violence, Babylon symbolizes the more subtle temptation of pride, cultural sophistication, and materialism. Both empires ultimately fell due to their opposition to God, teaching us that evil comes in different forms and that we must guard against both obvious sins and subtle pride in our own lives.
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Daniel chapter 7 reveals the spiritual battle raging behind world events through a vision of four terrifying beasts representing evil kingdoms throughout history. In the midst of this chaos, the Ancient of Days (God the Father) sits on his throne in judgment, while the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) receives eternal dominion over an indestructible kingdom. This passage teaches Christians that the world is not fine as we often tell ourselves, but rather we live in the midst of spiritual warfare. The key to persevering through dark times is becoming part of God's kingdom through faith in Christ and regularly gathering with other believers for worship and encouragement.
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Daniel's story reveals what unwavering faith looks like in practice. At 85 years old, serving under the Medo-Persian empire, Daniel maintained such integrity that his enemies couldn't find any fault with his character or work. When they devised a trap through a royal decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel refused to compromise. He continued his daily prayer routine, facing Jerusalem three times a day, choosing conviction over convenience. God miraculously protected him in the lion's den, demonstrating that faithful obedience is never in vain. Daniel's example points us to Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, who has already defeated our spiritual enemy and calls us to stand firm in faith regardless of the cost.
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The fall of Babylon in 539 B.C. reveals timeless truths about pride and divine judgment. King Belshazzar's arrogant feast, using sacred temple vessels to mock God, led to supernatural writing on the wall declaring his kingdom's end. Despite knowing his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar's humbling by God, Belshazzar hardened his heart in pride. Daniel interpreted the mysterious words as God's final judgment - the king had been weighed and found wanting. That very night, Belshazzar died and his kingdom fell, demonstrating that every heart will ultimately be measured by God's eternal standard.
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Nebuchadnezzar's testimony in Daniel 4 reveals how God deals with human pride. As the most powerful ruler of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar received a troubling dream about a great tree being cut down, which Daniel interpreted as God's coming judgment on the king's pride. After boasting about his achievements, Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God, living like an animal for seven periods until he acknowledged God's sovereignty. This powerful account teaches us three crucial truths: God is great and deserves our humility, God is glorious and worthy of our worship, and God is good, showing mercy even to those who have rebelled against Him.
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Faith in the Furnace explores how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated unwavering faith when faced with King Nebuchadnezzar's demand to worship a golden idol. Their three-dimensional faith—assurance in God's ability, confidence in His deliverance, and submission to His will regardless of outcome—led to divine intervention in the fiery furnace. This biblical account challenges us to examine our own 'God Plus' tendencies, where we want God alongside comfort, approval, or success. True faith means standing firm for God even when everyone else bows down to cultural idols, knowing that God doesn't abandon us in our trials but joins us in them.
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Daniel 2 reveals God's sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms through Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a statue representing four successive empires. When faced with an impossible demand to reveal and interpret the king's dream, Daniel seeks God in prayer with his friends. God reveals both the dream and its meaning, showing how all human kingdoms will eventually fall while God's kingdom, represented by a stone that becomes a mountain, will endure forever. This narrative challenges us to place our ultimate allegiance in God's eternal kingdom rather than temporary earthly powers, finding courage to live as citizens of heaven even while serving faithfully in this world.
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Living faithfully in a challenging world requires wisdom from biblical examples like Daniel. When taken into Babylonian captivity, Daniel faced systematic attempts to change his identity, beliefs, and lifestyle. Yet he strategically maintained his convictions while still functioning within the system he couldn't escape. He identified non-negotiables, respectfully proposed alternatives, and trusted God with the results. Today, we face similar pressures to assimilate to cultural values at odds with our faith. By being intentional about what forms our thinking, identifying our non-negotiables, and looking for strategic alternatives, we can maintain our integrity while still engaging effectively with the world around us.
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The final chapter of Acts shows Paul under house arrest in Rome, yet still boldly proclaiming the gospel without hindrance. This seemingly abrupt ending powerfully illustrates the central message: nothing can stop God's mission. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and countless other obstacles throughout his ministry, Paul continued to share the message of Christ. This truth gives us both hope that God's purposes will prevail despite opposition and boldness to speak with clarity and confidence. The greatest hindrance many face today isn't persecution but distraction from comfortable lives pulling focus away from God's mission.
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In Acts 27, Paul faces a life-threatening storm at sea while being transported to Rome as a prisoner. Despite the captain's poor decisions and a hurricane-force storm that destroys their ship, Paul stands firm on God's promise that he will reach Rome and testify about Jesus there. When all hope seems lost, Paul receives divine reassurance that everyone aboard will survive, which proves true when all 276 passengers safely reach shore after the shipwreck. The unexpected detour to Malta becomes an opportunity for ministry as Paul heals many sick people during their three-month stay. This story powerfully illustrates how God's plans prevail through storms, and how our difficulties often become platforms for His glory and mission.
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📖 In this week's passage, we see the Apostle Paul deliver a masterclass in boldly defending the gospel, yet doing so with gentleness and respect.
Are you ready to take a stand for Jesus and share your story with others? Watch or listen now as guest speaker Curtis Carroll delivers a powerful and challenging message.
Acts: To the Ends of the Earth "A Bold Defense" | Acts 26
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Sometimes the world turns, and God seems absent. But He is there, working even when it isn't easily seen. Watch or listen now to this week's message from our series in Acts: To the Ends of the Earth Needing a Favor (Acts 25:1-27) - with Pastor Todd Hessel.
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Acts: To the ends of the earth "Cheerfully Making Your Defense" | Guest Speaker: Bob Bressert
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When this world "flings dust into the air," we must remember three things. . . Listen now to this inspired message from guest preacher Bob Bressert.
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Sometimes our stories feel ordinary, superficial, or painful. But the Gospel changes our stories into great stories that bring hope to people and glory to the Lord. Watch or listen now to this week's message from the book of Acts!
Acts: to the ends of the earth "Being misunderstood"
Acts 21:37-22:29 with Pastor Todd Hessel
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Chaos can reign in multiple ways. Paul shows a clear path in the midst of this - a devotion to the Lord by loving others. Watch or listen to this week's message from our series in Acts: To the Ends of the Earth | Submitting to the Train Wreck
Acts 21:17-36 - With Pastor Todd Hessel.
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How do we know the will of the Lord? Is it simply a matter of avoiding pain or difficulty? This week, we will explore this question so that we can follow the Lord with greater confidence.
Acts 21:1-16 "The will of the Lord" With Pastor Todd Hessel.
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Acts: To the ends of the earth "Speech to the Ephesian elders" | Guest Speaker: Hunter Thorpe.
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Are you feeding your soul through godly connection, or are you starving because isolation's become normal?
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"The Most Important Question" From the Gospel of Mark - With Guest Speaker James Lauderdale.
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Getting God wrong can make a mess of things. The question we need to ask ourselves: do we have confidence in the Lord or do we want to control Him?
Listen to this week's message now! Acts 19:1-20 "Theological Errors" with Pastor Todd Hessel.
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While we may not see figurines of silver in our houses, we still have idols today. This passage shows the destructive nature of idols - both personally and for society. Watch or listen now to this week's powerful message from Acts 19, "The Gospel encounters an idol," With Pastor Todd Hessel.
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People react differently when the Gospel of Christ is proclaimed. How will you respond? Watch or listen now!
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How can you find encouragement in the life the Lord has given you? We will look at what the Lord does for His worker, not just His work. Watch or listen to this week's message now! Acts: To the ends of the earth "Gospel Drama" with Pastor Todd Hessel
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The Lord breaks bonds and His Gospel sets us free, but how? Have you been set free? Watch or listen to this week's powerful message from Acts chapter 16:16-40 with Pastor Todd Hessel.
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The Spirit of God opens doors and opens hearts. Is your heart open?
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Easter Sunday: The Resurrection Changes Us. Has it changed you? Listen now to this powerful message from Lead Pastor Todd Hessel. Ankeny Free Church | Easter 2025
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📖 🎙️God's greatness is robust! Praise comes from experiencing the goodness of our God. | Psalm 145 (The Goodness of God: Week One) The Lord is good to all," with Pastor Todd Hessel.
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Conflict is painful but inevitable. Learn how we should navigate conflict.
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📖 What hills do we die on, and where is there room to flex for the sake of others? The early church wrestles with these very things and helps us as we wrestle with these things today.
Watch or listen now to this week's message from Acts: to the ends of the earth "The Gospel Centered Church"
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🎙️We are called to serve the Lord in difficult situations, but the pressure can look different depending on where it comes from. Here's how we face these pressures faithfully.
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Each of us must choose - to Rejoice in the Gospel or to Reject it. What will you choose? 📖 Listen to this powerful message from Acts 13:13-52 with Pastor J.D. Abell.
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Acts: to the ends of the earth "The Gospel is Sent to Save the Blind" | Acts 13:1-12 | Pastor J.D. Abell
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God's sovereign expansion of the Gospel is not hindered by kings, public sentiment, or even violence. This passage teaches us some lessons about pride, persecution, and prayer.
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God miraculously forms His church using ordinary ingredients. And the people started calling the believers - Christians
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📖 Who gets to tell you who you can eat with? The Lord does. This week we will look at opposition to the Gospel from religious people. Listen now! Acts: to the ends of the earth "Table Fellowship" | Acts 11:1-18 with Pastor Todd Hessel
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The Gospel going to everyone is no small thing. But it is a key thing. Listen now to this message from our series in the book of Acts - With Pastor Todd Hessel // Acts 10:1-48
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The Lord is not simply at work in a few but in many people. No small parts exist in the drama of Christ's unfolding Gospel expansion.
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Jesus said that he would show Saul how much he must suffer for His name. Now we see what that looks like for him and what that can look like for us. Listen now!
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Can our circumstances keep us from God? See how God sends Philip to give surprising insight to an unlikely convert.
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Jesus can completely change your life. Which way are you heading? Watch or listen now to this week's message from the book of Acts. "This is the Way".
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What does it mean to be great? In Acts 8:4-25, we see the greatness of the Gospel collide with worldly greatness. Acts: to the ends of the earth: Philip and the Magician
Acts 8:4-25 with Pastor Todd Hessel.
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There is a difference between simply knowing Christ, and truly abiding in Him. What does this difference look like? Are you abiding in Christ? Let's explore what Jesus says. Watch or listen now to this week's message from speaker Jonah Vos "True Connection: Abiding in Christ" (John 15:1-11)
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Christmas is about seeing the war and following Jesus as our way to peace. Watch or listen now to A Not-So-Silent Night
(Zechariah’s Song) - The Benedictus - Luke 1:68-79 with Pastor Todd Hessel.
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Our beautiful nativity scenes don't capture the shame that would have been surrounding Christ's birth. Yet Mary didn't see the shame, but the Lord who was turning the tables on the world. Listen now to this week's message "Mary's Song: The Magnificat" with Pastor Todd Hessel
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Sometimes following Jesus means losing your life. Acts 7 helps us to see how, when we are surrounded by rejection, we are to stand in the grace of God.
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Acts: To the ends of the earth "When the wheels fall off the wagon" // Acts 6:8-15 // Bob Bressert
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Acts: To the ends of the earth: The complaint of the widow // Act 6:1-7 // Speaker:Hunter Thorpe
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A commitment to the Gospel means a commitment to God above all things. This week, we will see that commitment tested in ways we still face today.
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The church shares and cares for one another. Listen to how the Spirit empowers us to become the people of God.
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Contrary to what you hear, politics do not reign supreme. Jesus does.
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There is no name to trust in other than Jesus! Hope, power, and truth are all on the side of Jesus, not in those who scramble to keep the status quo.
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Acts Series: "Time of refreshing" | Message: Todd Hessel | Oct. 20, 2024
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Through the ages, Christians have given themselves to some basic practices for a fruitful spiritual life. We must reject cheap substitutes and devote ourselves to the right things. Watch or listen now to this week’s message now.
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Acts " The gospel preached" | Pastor Todd Hessel | 09.29.2024
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The Holy Spirit moves us to speak to everyone, everywhere.Find out what this means for you, for others, and how we understand the heart of our Lord.
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As the followers of Jesus were left wondering what would happen next, they devoted themselves to things that would nurture them for the upcoming season. Instead of being ruled by fear, we can practically turn to the Lord in the seasons of uncertainty and waiting.
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Acts "You will be my witnesses" | Pastor Todd Hessel | 09.08.2024
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Acts "To the ends of the earth" | Pastor Todd Hessel | 09.01.2024
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Prayers That Transform| "The Prayer of Nehemiah" | August 8, 2024 | Chris Mavity & Todd Hessel
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Why I Believe: "Creation" | JD Abell | Ankeny Free Church
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Prayers That Transform: "Suffering & Prayer" | Curtis Carroll
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Why I Believe: The Afterlife | Pastor J.D. Abell | Ankeny Free Church
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Why I Believe: The Bible | Pastor J.D. Abell | Ankeny Free Church
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Prayers That Transform | "The Prayer For Love" | July 14, 2024 | Pastor Todd Hessel
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We are to pray for power! But why do we need the power of God? The answer may surprise you. Watch or listen now to Prayers That Transform: "The Prayer For Power" Ephesians 3:14-21 with Pastor Todd.
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Are we praying for God's will or just wanting to escape pain? Learn how to better see what God is doing and to pray accordingly.
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Where do we find wisdom to navigate our lives - personal growth, politics, social issues? Daniel sought the Lord because the Lord knows what is in the darkness.
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Prayers That Transform| "Seeking the Sovereign God." | June 16, 2024 | Pastor Todd Hessel
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How should I pray? Jesus answers this question directly and simply. But, as you might expect, there is a depth and richness in the prayer Jesus taught us.
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The Christian life is not a solo act; we need each other!
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1 Peter: Set Apart | "Before I Close" | 1 Peter 5:6-11 | Pastor J.D. Abell
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As the Lord shepherds our lives in tumultuous times, He gives the church shepherds to guide and care for the flock.
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1 Peter: Set Apart | "Suffering and the Christian" | 1 Peter 4:12-19 | Pastor J.D. Abell
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📖 Jesus changes everything - including how we are to think.
1 Peter 4:1-11 shows us three areas of change that bring about transformation in our lives.
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1 Peter: Set Apart | "The reason for our hope" | 4.21.24 | Pastor Todd Hessel
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We all want to experience the Lord's blessing. Sometimes that blessing comes at the end of pain. If we want to experience God's goodness, the journey is often difficult.
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Who are you following? Jesus, right?!? That can be hard in the world we live in. Our passage today gives us some practical help as to what that looks like.
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BIG Questions: "Why does the Resurrection matter?" | Easter Sunday 2024 | Pastor Todd Hessel
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We all listen to someone, and who we listen to matters. Are you listening to wisdom or folly?
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18 Summers: The Proverbs of Solomon "Two Companions" Proverbs 7:1-27 Pastor Todd Hesse
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18 Summers: The Proverbs of Solomon "Living for Tomorrow, Today" Proverbs 6:1-19 Pastor Todd Hessel
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18 Summers: The Proverbs of Solomon "Wisdom and Sex" Proverbs 5:1-23 | Pastor JD Abell
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18 Summers: The Proverbs of Solomon | "The right path" | Pastor Todd Hessel
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To understand the wisdom is to understand the open secret to this world. We are going to look at the three ways that wisdom runs the world.
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We live in a world of opportunity and danger. Wisdom leads us on the good path. But where does "treasured wisdom" truly begin? Subscribe and listen now wherever you get your podcasts @ankenyfreechurch
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18 Summers: The Proverbs of Solomon | "A Pleasant Path" | Pastor J.D. Abell
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Bad company corrupts good morals. This passage looks at why we don't want bad friends and especially why we don't want to be a bad friend.
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18 Summers: The Proverbs of Solomon | "Fear" | Pastor Todd Hessel
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“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth” - No soul is overlooked or undervalued by Jesus. Watch or listen now to this week's message from our Christmas series "The Line" with Pastor Todd Hessel.
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When Jesus came to earth, He divided history. In today's message, we see how Jesus changed sacrifices forever.
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1 Peter: Set Apart | "The Marriage That Lasts" | 12.03.23 | Pastor Todd Hessel
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1 Peter: Set Apart | "Honorable Living" | 11.26.23 | Pastor J.D. Abell
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1 Peter: Set Apart | "Good Deeds" | 11.19.23 | Pastor J.D. Abell
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1 Peter: Set Apart | "A new identity as a new people" | 11.12.23 | Pastor Todd Hessel
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As Christians, our love for others comes from the new life we have in Christ. As we treasure the work of Jesus, this changes us: on the inside and how we treat others. Watch or listen to this week's message from our series in 1 Peter - Set Apart "Love One Another" with Pastor Todd Hessel.
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Have you ever acted as though you were special or different? You should! Our passage today lays the groundwork for how we should live our lives in a difficult world.
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In 1 Peter 1:10-12, we find the incredible encouragement that the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament evangelists were doing things, not for themselves, but for us. We see God's goodness in the Gospel itself and in how it came to us.
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Life comes at us at such high velocity, have you taken time lately to stop and ask yourself, "What's my ultimate purpose?" Listen to this week's powerful message from our own Bob Bressert from our new sermon series in First Peter.
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Does the world seem strange to you? Do you struggle to belong in it? Maybe there is something different about you because you are a Christian. 1 Peter shows how we are a people set apart. Watch or listen now to our first message in this new series.
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Jonah: Reluctant Prophet, Relentless Grace Angry at God's mercy" | 10.01.23 | Pastor Todd Hessel
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Who does salvation belong to? Is there hope for me? Listen to this week's message from the book of Jonah; "The God of Second Chances" with Hunter Thorpe
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Just when you thought Jonah couldn't get any lower, he hits rock bottom. But is his way up pleasing to the Lord? Watch or listen now to week 3 of our series in the book of Jonah: Reluctant Prophet, Relentless Grace - with Pastor Todd Hessel
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Welcome to the book of Jonah! This message will orient you toward the book, the prophet, and his downward journey. We will learn about religious disobedience and a true heart toward the Lord.
Is it okay to have doubts about our faith? Who gets to define what's true? Listen to this powerful message from our own speaker Curtis Carroll.
What does God's Word really say about His design and purpose when it comes to human sexuality?
What is God's desire for you in this life? Find out in this week's message from Pastor JD Abell.
This world can be brutal, lonely, and degrading. Genesis 47 shows us that in the pain, there is the God Who Cares. Watch or listen now!
God's promises come to pass, even if it takes time. In Genesis 46, we see the reunion of Joseph with his father Jacob. Even more importantly, we see God's faithfulness to what He has promised.
Overnight: The Story of Joseph "Reconciliation in Egypt" | Genesis 45 | Pastor JD Abell
Compassion is a rare commodity today. In this passage, we see the compassionate work of the Lord to those that don't deserve it.
Before we turn to the Lord for forgiveness, we must have a sense of our own need. This passage exposes the redeeming work of godly conviction in our own life.
Before we turn to the Lord for forgiveness, we must have a sense of our own need. This passage exposes the redeeming work of godly conviction in our own life.
From the pit to a new outfit! We see there is always hope because our God sits on the throne.
God is at work, even when you seem forgotten. This passage urges us to do what is right, even when the few people that might see it, don't remember it.
Is the Lord with us in our most difficult moments? How can the Lord's purposes be moving forward when our life is spiraling down? This message will show us that the Lord is with us even when our life is unraveling.
The Lord is in the business of changing hearts - even in the most messed up situations. This Sunday we will see dignity, hope, and transformation come out of one of the wildest accounts in Scripture.
We begin our new sermon series with Joseph, a crazy coat, hateful brothers, and a God who sees what we cannot. We will look at our pride and up to the Lord who sees us differently than others.
Matthew: Clash of Kingdoms | "Disappointing disciples, committed Christ " | 03.05.2023 | Todd Hessel
- Tax Implications
a. Deductions for charitable giving…federal and state – standard vs itemized deductions (Schedule A)
b. Types of income – ordinary and capital gain income (Form 1040 - others that we could go into)
-
Cash (checks, electronic transfers from bank accounts or credit cards, wire transfers, etc.)
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Appreciated securities (stocks and bonds)
a. This requires the church to have an investment vehicle (account) to accept the stock/bond
b. Specifics of how the gift of appreciated securities works
c. Tax benefits
- Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
a. From IRA account – payment must be made directly to charity
b. Only available for IRA owner who is over 70.5 years old
c. Limited to $100k per year
d. It can be used to offset individuals' required minimum distribution
- Donor-advised fund (DAF)
a. Allows accumulation of charitable funds for tax purposes – then pays out funds as desired by account owner
b. DAF sends funds directly to the charity
- Through estate
a. Pass by will or trust
b. Pass by the beneficiary (IRA, Roth IRA, insurance/annuity)
- Other strategies to be aware of
a. Charitable “bunching”
b. Sophisticated charitable strategies – charitable trusts, family foundations, etc.
c. Community foundation resources
d. Non-liquid assets – pros, and cons
What Child is This? | "Who will lead us out of darkness?" | 12.18.22 | Pastor Todd Hessel
Roe V Wade: What does God say about abortion? A word from Pastor Todd Hessel about how Christians should view abortion.
We sat down this week with our Missionary to Togo West Africa, Azlyn McCarthy, to hear her story, and to learn more about what God is doing through her ministry to the deaf population in Togo. Please continue to pray for Azlyn and her team as they do the work God has prepared for them in Africa. Thanks for listening. - If you would like to reach out to Azlyn, please see the following:
address: Azlyn McCarthy: BP Aneho, Togo West Africa
email: Azlyn@converge.org
whatsapp: +228 93 46 4168
"The Treasure Principle" By Randy Alcorn - A book review & recommendation from Pastor Todd Hessel.
Genesis: The Gospel for Scoundrels | "When God gives you a new name " | 5.22.22 | Todd Hessel
Genesis: The Gospel for Scoundrels | "Weakness, God's Presence, Blessing" | 5.01.22 | J.D. Abell
Ecclesiastes: Finding meaning | "Wisdom in obeying the king" | 02.27.22 | Speaker - Ryan Smith
Gospel-centered teaching from our current sermon series in Ecclesiastes: "Finding meaning in a meaningless world." With Pastor Todd Hessel.
Gospel-centered teaching from our current sermon series in Ecclesiastes "Finding meaning in a meaningless world" with Pastor Todd Hessel.